Vat of Kirbister

Vat of Kirbister
from the Landward Side

The Vat of Kirbister is the most spectacular rock arch in Orkney.
The roof of a very large, almost circular, cave has collapsed, leaving an inlet
accessible via the original mouth of the cave and under the remaining arch.

The westernmost coast of Stronsay, stretching from Odness in the north
via Burch Head to Lamb Head in the south contains some of Stronsay's most
spectacular coastal scenery.

The best starting point for any exploration is the extended layby
on the minor road at Kirbister, at grid reference HY681241 (note this is shown
as "Kirbuster" on some Ordnance Survey maps). From here a path runs between
fields to the shore close to the attractive inlet called Bluthers Geo.

A nearby sea stack called the Malme has on its summit the remains
of an early Christian hermitage. This is a recurrent feature of sea stacks in
the area: it seems Stronsay's early
Christians were prepared to go to great lengths to ensure a little privacy.

Following the coast path a short distance south brings you to the
highlight of the walk, the Vat of Kirbister itself. Different viewpoints allow
you to gain a growing understanding of the fascinating structure you are
looking at, a rock arch connected to the cliffs behind at both ends.

You can get quite close to the arch itself: but the partial fence
at the north end is less of a disincentive to even closer examination than the
slightly precarious state of some of the rocks and covering vegetation.

South of the Vat of Kirbister is another sea stack, known as Tam's
Castle because it, too, carries the remains of a hermitage on top. A little
further on you come to a stone-faced rampart across a rocky promontory, all
that remains of a fort dating back to the early iron age. A sign near the
parking area shows how this short walk can be extended to a 6.5 mile circular
walk.